Steelers need to protect Ben Roethlisberger

The NFL combine starts Feb. 20. Every team will be looking to fill multiple holes on both sides of the ball.

Mike Adams, Kelvin Beachum and Justin Gilbert all had an opportunity to start at left tackle for the Steelers in 2013. (Charles LeClaire – USA TODAY Sports)

The Pittsburgh Steelers missed the playoffs for the second year in a row. Due to the Steelers’ rich history, it’s a highly disappointing stretch. The problem for Pittsburgh — dating back to their last Super Bowl appearance in 2011 — is a porous offensive line. The team needs to protect franchise quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. It also needs to get to opposing quarterbacks. Pittsburgh’s vaunted defense is aging and needs retooled.

Here are the Steelers’ top areas of need as they prepare for the draft:

1. Offensive left tackle

QB Ben Roethlisberger has been sacked 194 times over the past five seasons. Roethlisberger’s blind-side protection was a mess the past two seasons. Kelvin Beachum was eventually inserted into the starting lineup after Mike Adams proved to be a disappointment and Levi Brown was placed on injured reserve. Beachum is adequate, but he’s far from ideal. The Steelers might have the opportunity with the 15th pick to find a long-term solution. The addition of a top-notch tackle prospect should stabilize the unit.

Possible picks

Cyrus Kouandjio (Alabama): If the Steelers decide to invest a first round selection in a left tackle, Kouandjio and Michigan’s Taylor Lewan are the obvious targets. Kouandjio is given an edge simply due to his natural ability, and he’s two years younger.

Antonio Richardson (Tennessee): Very few offensive tackle prospects outside the first round have the ability to play left tackle in the NFL. Richardson has the natural skills to do so. His played poorly in 2013, but he’s talented enough to be second round selection.

2. Cornerback

Ike Taylor, the team’s top cornerback, will turn 34 before the start of the season. Another veteran, William Gay, knows the system, but the Steelers were clearly looking for one of their young cornerbacks to step up last season. It never happened, though Cortez Allen deserves more time to develop. Still, Pittsburgh’s lack of depth at the position is concerning. The Steelers might opt to select more than one corner.

Possible picks

Justin Gilbert (Oklahoma State): Gilbert has the size (6-0, 200) the Steelers prefer at cornerback. Gilbert also proved to be a top ballhawk with seven interceptions as a senior. If Gilbert and a left tackle are on the board when the Steelers select in the first round, they’ll have a tough decision to make.

Loucheiz Purifoy (Florida): Purifoy has similar size as Gilbert (6-0 and 19o), but he’s not as fluid in coverage. Purifoy could be a late first round target if he tests well, but he’s more than likely land in the second.

3. Defensive end

Brett Keisel may have played his last game as a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers. (Benny Sieu – USA TODAY Sports)

Massive holes could open along the defensive line depending on what the Steelers do with expiring contracts. Brett Keisel’s 12-year career in Pittsburgh could be over after playing in only one game due to injury unless he signs for significantly less. Ziggy Hood and Al Woods are also free agents, and their departures would severely drain the Steelers’ depth. Pittsburgh could possibly be left with Cameron Heyward, Brian Arnfelt and Nick Williams. The latter two were rookies in 2013.

Possible picks

Ra’Shede Hageman (Minnesota): Depending on how dire the situation becomes at defensive end, the Steelers could consider selecting one in the first round. Hageman is a custom-built 5-technique (defensive end).

DeAndre Coleman (Cal): Unlike most defensive linemen, Coleman, a mid-round possibility, actually played in a 3-4 base defense. He can provide depth at both defensive end and nose tackle.

4. Wide receiver

Despite being short for an NFL wide receiver at 5-10, Antonio Brown developed into a star in 2013, snaring 110 receptions and finishing second in the league with 1,499 receiving yards. Brown’s running mate, Emmanuel Sanders, is a free agent. Sanders nearly signed with the New England Patriots last year as a restricted free agent and is likely to test the market again. Meanwhile, Jerricho Cotchery, the team’s third-leading receiver, will be 32 in the fall. The team will have to rely on former third-round pick Markus Wheaton to develop and still possibly add another receiver.

Possible picks

Mike Evans (Texas A&M): The Steelers haven’t had a big reliable target at wide receiver since Plaxico Burress’ first tour with the team. Evans is built very similarly to Burress if the Steelers draft a receiver in the first round.

Allen Robinson (Penn State): Robinson is another wide receiver with good size (6-3, 210). He isn’t as explosive at the Steelers’ Antonio Brown, but he could prove to be a fine compliment. Robinson is considered a second round option.

5. Safety

Steelers ownership wants Troy Polamalu to retire a Steeler. The sentiment will no doubt resonate with Steelers fans, but they won’t be able to ignore the 11-year veteran’s declining play. Ryan Clark, the Steelers’ other starting safety, will turn 35 in October. The team has a pair of young safeties behind its starters. Pittsburgh traded up to acquire Shamarko Thomas in the fourth round of the 2013 draft and Robert Golden is set to enter his third year. The Steelers, at bare minimum, will need to develop young players to eventually replace Polamalu and Clark.

Possible picks

Dontae Johnson(North Carolina State): Johnson has the size of a safety (6-2, 199), but he can also play cornerback. His ability to do both can provide the Steelers with the depth they need from a mid-round pick.

Craig Loston (LSU): Clark was once an undrafted rookie from LSU and has been with the Steelers since 2006. Loston will be drafted, but who better to learn from than Clark?